The Business Class’s Double-Edged Hypocrisy is Killing the Economy And The Nation’s Democratic Soul

It is a painful irony that the business class, who hold sway over the nation’s economy, are among the first to cry foul whenever a new, misguided policy emerges from the political sphere. They lament the government’s incompetence, lambasting policies that lead the economy astray, and yet, when given the chance to align with those who challenge power, they retreat. This self-preservation tactic is neither clever nor productive—it is self-destructive. A business community that turns its back on the advocates for good governance is, in essence, turning its back on its own future. Just as one cannot eat soup with a fork, no industry can thrive in a country where corruption and incompetence run unchecked.

This hypocrisy is one of the core reasons the political class holds the economy hostage. Business leaders dismiss those who demand accountability as “troublemakers” or “idealists,” distancing themselves to avoid political entanglement, yet complain bitterly about political meddling when it suits them. Imagine if they channeled half of their complaints into supporting those advocating for change. The result would be a political environment that takes economic development seriously, a nation where the rule of law protects markets instead of stifling them. But alas, the business community’s short-sightedness keeps democracy in chains, sacrificing long-term economic stability for a temporary sense of safety.

In truth, the business class fails to grasp the inherent power of collective voice. While they huddle in boardrooms bemoaning tax hikes and poor policies, they miss the chance to reshape policy landscapes by supporting voices that call for accountability. A proverb goes, “If you close your eyes to facts, you will learn through accidents.” When political incompetence sinks the economy and bleeds industries dry, it is the businesses who suffer first. Yet, instead of aligning with the voices of reason and reform, they take the safer route, accommodating the very forces they privately despise. Their silence is a co-conspirator in economic recession.

The hypocrisy becomes even starker when they deny opportunities to suppliers, business partners, and contractors brave enough to confront the government. Rather than applauding this courage, they penalize it. Such cowardice only emboldens the political class. After all, if the economic engines of the country are afraid to speak out, why would the political class feel any pressure to change? Businesses have forgotten that “a single stick may smoke, but it will not burn,” and their divided approach allows the political class to play them against each other, silencing potential dissent.

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If Kenyan business leaders truly understood their own interest, they would stand in solidarity with advocates of democracy and transparency. Without a democratic foundation, there is no real protection for private industry. By stifling these voices, they are digging their own graves. They fail to realize that a government accountable to its people, a government that enacts policies with foresight, would make their businesses flourish. Imagine a Kenya where a thriving economy and a government worthy of trust are not mutually exclusive. The business community holds that possibility in its hands but has tragically opted for blind allegiance over courage.

One needs only to look at history to understand the importance of solidarity between businesses and civil society. In other countries, when industries aligned with advocates for democracy and justice, the political landscape shifted. There are countless examples where businesses took a stand and forced reform. And